Strike in Srinagar against J&K High Court beef ban directive

Srinagar: Authorities Saturday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar to maintain law and order in view of the strike called by separatist groups to protest the High Court order on implementation of beef ban in the state.

"Restrictions have been imposed in some police station areas of Srinagar city to maintain law and order," a police official said.

He said the restrictions on the movement of people have been imposed in police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Safa Kadal, Kralkhud and Maisuma.

The official said it is a preventive measure to maintain law and order in the city.

Various separatist groups, including both the factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF, have called for a shutdown today against the High Court ruling which ordered the police to strictly implement the beef ban in the state.

The shutdown affected normal life in most parts of the Valley.

Shops, business establishments, offices, petrol pumps and educational institutions remained closed while public transport was off the roads, officials said.

However, private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in some areas, they said.

Kashmir University has postponed all examinations scheduled for today.

"Fresh dates for the deferred papers will be notified separately," University officials said.

Meanwhile, there were reports of clashes is Habba Kadal, Narbal and Batamaloo areas of the city.

Clashes between youth and security forces were also reported from Pattan area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Authorities have placed moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik under house arrest.

"Mirwaiz and Malik have been placed under house arrest," the official said.